Today we begin a study of the letter of James by getting to know the author, the intended audience, and the context into which the letter was written. Between now and September we will unpack the content of this bold 108-verse letter which averages a command in every other verse helping us know how we are to live God-centered lives. This small book deals with big, everyday issues that we all wrestle with. Issues like how to approach a crisis situation, or a temptation to sin, or filthy-talking, or peer-pressure. James deals with it. Suffice it to say that James deals with he defining scenes of life. MP3 download.
About Dan Miller
Pastor Dan was part of the core group that started Grace Fellowship in 2003. Pastor Dan is our primary teaching pastor, leads the staff, and oversees the vision and strategy for our disciplemaking philosophy of ministry. Dan married Vicki in 1993. Together, they enjoy their seven children – Benjamin (married to Courtney), David, Alexa, Zachary (married to Ginna), Nathan, Ana, and Autumn, along with one grandchild - Lucy.
In the sermon you assume that the author of the letter James must be a “James” mentioned elsewhere in Scripture (specifically Acts 1:13). What leads you to make that assumption?
Just because James the apostle was martyred early, what would prevent him from being the author of the letter James? Couldn’t the letter have been written prior to his martyrdom? As you stated, there is evidence for a very early date of authorship for this letter.
I don’t understand why the James referred to in 1 Corinthians 15:7 has to be James the half-brother of Jesus.
Great question. Let’s look at the passage that best helps us to know which “James” is in view.
I Corinthians 15:6-7 says,
It must be James the half-brother of Christ for the following reasoning:
#1. There are only four people mentioned in the New Testament who are called James.
#2. Paul says that Jesus showed himself to the Apostles after he shows himself to James. Therefore, the James in question was not considered an apostle. This would eliminate James and James the son of Alphaeus from consideration since they were apostles.
#3. There would be no reason for Jesus to appear to a father of one of the Apostles. Therefore, this would eliminate Judas the son of James from consideration.
The only other person we have to consider would be James the half-brother of Christ. Is it possible that it could it be some other “James?” Yes. Is it probably? No.
Also, the early church considered the author to be the half-brother of Christ as well. All things being considered, it is a solid and safe conclusion that the “James” who wrote the letter of James was the half-brother of the Lord Jesus Christ.